Bukayo Saka’s participation in upcoming fixtures is in doubt after the winger was forced off just 10 minutes into Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw against Bayern Munich. The 25-year-old collapsed to the pitch at the Allianz Arena while attempting a pass under no pressure, signalling immediate discomfort that required his substitution.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provided a grim assessment after the match, stating that the situation with the player’s quadriceps “does not look good at all.” Speaking to TNT Sports, the manager added, “They are a bit concerned. A player who has to come off with a really sharp pain is never good news but we have to wait and see.” But there is a reason why he is regarded as one of the best players in this Arsenal team and is seen as being important for them, it’s not necessarily something that means the team will struggle heavily.
Saka has navigated a series of fitness setbacks over the past few years.
He previously dealt with an Achilles injury in March 2024 that caused him to miss seven matches and the subsequent international break. But returned to help them lift the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, he missed the March international break and seven games for the Gunners.
His workload was carefully managed through the end of that title-winning season and during his England duties at the World Cup, where he started only three of eight matches, including a hat-trick performance in a 6-4 win against France. Additionally, the forward underwent surgery for a hamstring issue in December 2024, sidelining him for 101 days, and experienced further hip and hamstring complications during the 2024-25 campaign. And only started three of England’s eight games at the World Cup – scoring a hat-trick in the 6-4 third-place win over France, saka started the Champions League final defeat by Paris St-Germain but was substituted after 54 minutes.
Despite his recurring injury history, Saka remains a fundamental part of the Gunners’ setup, having scored four goals in 11 appearances this season. While his absence poses a significant challenge, Arsenal’s squad depth provides potential cover. Following his exit, Eberechi Eze—who replaced him—netted the opening goal, and Noni Madueke moved to the right wing to maintain the team’s attacking momentum. Despite a stop-start season – as well as the Achilles issue, he pulled out of the warm-up against Leeds with a hip injury in January and a hamstring problem kept him out for about four weeks, he made 49 appearances as Arsenal won the title last term. So now the concern will be how long he is out for, he was lying on the floor with his hand up and he knew he was in a bit of trouble.
Pundit Nedum Onuoha highlighted the impact of the injury, noting that while the team’s reliance on Saka’s star power is evident, the current squad structure is designed to absorb such losses. He remarked that the team’s performance remained strong even after the withdrawal, with Arteta praising the substitutes for their energy and contributions. “I think Ebs had a great game. Not only the ball, but the actions. His overall performance, I think his commitment without the ball as well,” Arteta observed. Even before Saka’s withdrawal, the Gunners played on the front foot and enjoyed more possession than their German opponents, arsenal ‘s style of play has been criticised this season but.
Arsenal possesses several tactical options to fill the void. In addition to Eze and Madueke, the club has invested heavily in the transfer market, though summer arrival Christos Tzolis is currently recovering from a hamstring issue. The club also continues to develop young talent, such as 16-year-old Max Dowman, who has already demonstrated his senior-level impact by scoring in the Premier League last season.
Despite the early setback, Arsenal maintained a proactive style of play throughout the evening, ultimately earning a draw thanks to a late equaliser from Declan Rice. Arteta emphasized that he was pleased with how the remaining attackers stepped up to provide different tools as the game progressed, maintaining the team’s momentum in a high-stakes European environment.
